NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 11 owner complaints for the 1999 BMW M3. Most complaints involve air bags (5) and service brakes, hydraulic (2). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each M3 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 19 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 2001 | 14 |
| 2002 | 90 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 112 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 216 |
| 2008 | 82 |
| 2009 | 45 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 41 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
“AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. DIAGNOSIS: PASSENGER AIR BAG ELECTRONICS ARE FAULTY AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $500 PER DEALER. BMW SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS BUT THEY DO NOT SHOW THIS WITH MY VIN. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU. *TR”
“THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE GAS PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE AND POSES A DANGER WHEN MOVING FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO THE BRAKE. YOUR FOOT CAN BECOME ENTANGLED UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL.”
“TL * - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW M3. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON JANUARY 21, 2007, WITH 2 BALD REAR TIRES. THE DEALER HAS NOT AGREED TO REPLACE THE TIRES. BRIDGESTONE, POTENZA , DOT # EMH8CKA. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THE SIZE WAS 18. THE CONTACT HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES AT THIS TIME. HOWEVER, HE RECEIVED A CITATION FOR HAVING BALD TIRES, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO SELL A VEHICLE WITH BALD TIRES FOR SAFETY REASONS. *AK”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| M3 Convertible Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| M3 Convertible Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (5), service brakes, hydraulic (2), tires (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 BMW M3 at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).